The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1887-04-05
the SECRET OF LIFE.
Regular habits that Leave Emperor
William Halo at 90.

''He looks, when he walks, as if he die not
feel the GROUND under him, but otherwise is
the very picture of health. The fresh face,
with the snowy hair and whiskers, is like
Alps in the sunset, in which rose color is set
round with dazzling white is the description
given by correspondent who saw Emperor
William just before he celebrated his nine
tieth birthday.
The value of physical culture early in life
is well illustrated in the case of this wonder
full old man. He was not over strong as a
boy, but by careful training all the muscles
of the body were broug hit into vigorous ac-
tiyity. When only 16 years old he took part
in the war against France, 1854. AT the
time of his accession to the throne of Prus-
STA he was almost GA. Owing to the failing
health of his elder brother, Frederick Will
liam ~, he had been Regent for several
Years previously. in body and mind he was
sound, and believed so firmly in the divine
right of kings that nine months later he
crowned himself, declaring that he ruled by
favor of God and no one else.
During the war with France, which re-
suited in his being proclaimed Emperor Of
United Germany, Notwithstanding the weight
of 74yearS, he kept close to the theatre of
operations, and suffered no diminution Of
strength because of fatigue and anxiety.
Eleven years atterward, at SIS, he spent days
II
an amount of exercise which few of hisstout-
est lleutenants were capable of. The severe
discipline practiced in the Prussian army
made him regular in his habits as a youth,
and he was too old when he became king,
and bad too much good sense to make an al
teration for the worse.
While at home in the palace of Berlin he
breakfasts at half past o'clock every morn
ing, invariably using coffee, with large al
lowance of milk, and bread without butter
Weather permitting. he takes walking exer-
else daily before luncheon, which is served
at o'clock. Boiled crabs is a favorite dish
at this meal and is partaken of with great
relish. Between luncheon and dinner
affairs Of state are attended to for three
hours and sometimes longer. Then he rests
until it is time to dress for dinner. The
fixed hour for this is 4. Every morning the
chief cook submits the bill OF fare for appro-
val. 1t usually consists Of five courses.
The Emperor has a decided preference for
plain food. he is liberal in the use of fruit,
and drinks mineral water procured from a
natural spring.
cup Of tea, without bread or cake. is the
only refreshment he takes between dinner
and bed time He makes point of resting
a half an hour after breakfast and luncheon,
and an hour after dinner. When there are
guests invited to dinner they meet him in an
ante-chamber. A quarter of an hour is
spent in chatting. He then leads the way to
the dining room. The invitations are always
sent out at an early hour, and the seats dis
cussed with the court marshal. When there
are no guests the Emperor dimes with the
Empress, and the cook takes orders from her.
In summer, while at Gastein, or some other
watering place, the Emperor goes to the bath
room at half-past o'clock in the morning.
He breakfasts at s, walks at TO- accompanied
by personal adjutant and special attendant
Luncheon is served at IL. Between II and
he confers with the officers of civil and mill
tary cabinets who are in waiting. Dinner is
served at A. 1t consists of soup, fish, boiled
beef, two entrees, dessert and fruit. All the
members Of the imperial suite attend. At 6
o'clock he takes carriage ride, makes social
call and chats for an hour longer. He is
never out of bed later than 10 o'clock.
The Emperor takes considerable interest in
sanitary science and is very particular in the
matter of air and ventilation. Riding to
hounds has been one of his favorite amuse-
ments. He is splendid figure on horseback
and used to enter enthusiastically into the
spirit Of the chase and keep well up.
The Epperor's memory continues to be
good, and he takes pleasure in recalling the
stirring incidents of the different campaigns
in which he served. He has great fondness
for blue bottles-in Germany called corn
flowers because they remind him of a jour
ney with his mother, the lovely Queen Louise
and his brother Frederick William from
Koenigsbcrg to Munich when he was 10 years
old. 1t was shortly before the battle of
Friedland. Owing to the loss Of wheel they
nau 10 get out OF The carriage ana walt on the
roadside until repairs were made The
Princes were hungry and bewailed their fate
To pacify them the Queen gathered blue bot
ties. and wreathed Prince Williams brow.
Some time afterward, at the reception of
number of generals sent to Koenigsberg by
Napoleon /, the Queen appeared in very
plain white dress. In her hair were some
blue bottles, and there was a small bunch at
her corsage. The generals gave expression
to their opinions of the matter in low whisp-
ers, whereat she turned toward them with
sweet, sad smile and said: Ever since your
horses have trodden down our cornfelds.
these pretty flowers may well be counted
among the rare treasures of my unhappy
country"
The Emperor has also Partially for the
shade Of blue represented by the blue bottle,
1t strikes his eye so pleasantly that the la
dies of the court adopt the color for evening
costume, and find that the never falling effect
is to produce upon the royal face an express
sion of cheerfulness and amiability George
Henry Bassett in Herald of Health